Survey Reveals The World’s Most Pet-Friendly Airlines

Are you traveling domestically or internationally and can’t bear to leave your furry friend behind? Several airlines welcome your pet onboard, and recently, SkyParkSecure revealed the top carriers worldwide for being ‘Pet Friendly.’ American Airlines took the crown, followed by Korean Air. Simple Flying decided to use that information and look into the top five pet-friendly carriers that could be whisking, whiskers (the cat), from A to B on your next trip.

Transporting live animals domestically is relatively easy; permits are required if your travels are destined for a foreign country. Before planning to take your pet abroad, it is paramount to look at the regulations and requirements for entering with animals at your transit and arrival country. Before booking your ticket, you must also enquire with your planned carrier to ensure they have availability on your flights.

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If pets appear in poor health or there is a chance of infection at your port of departure, airlines have the authority to request preferred airport veterinary services to check up on the animal before permitting it to take flight.

Let’s check out the top five carriers that are waiting with open arms for your pet:

5

Finnair

Species allowed: Six

Finnish carrier Finnair is part of the Oneworld alliance and operates a robust network from its Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL) hub. With over 79 aircraft and 104 destinations in its network, if you’re looking to transport your furball across Europe, Asia, or North America, this could be the airline of choice for you.

Finnair permits up to six species onboard at any given time; however, only one per passenger. These are allowed in both the cargo hold and cabin, with a maximum weight of 8kg (17 lbs) in the cabin or 60 kg (132 lbs) if checked into the cargo hold.

4

Air Canada

Species allowed: Two

Canada’s flag carrier and Star Alliance member, Air Canada, is number four on the list of the world’s most pet-friendly airlines. While only two species are allowed onboard at any given time, the carrier permits pets to be in both the cabin and hold. Up to two pets per individual passenger are permitted, and these can weigh up to 45kg (100 lbs) per individual pet in total.

It’s worth noting that if you are looking to travel with a pet, you are not permitted to be seated in a bulkhead or exit row or be able to travel in Premium economy class with Air Canada, as this cabin does not allow safe stowage of pet crates.

3

Czech Airlines

Species allowed: Three

Eastern European carrier Czech Airlines is the most friendly European carrier on today’s list. The Prague-based airline operates a modest network from its home at Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG). While the carrier has trimmed back its long-haul and European network, it now operates just two Airbus A320 aircraft (with the A220 on order); Czech Airlines will permit up to three species onboard at any time.

Only one pet per passenger is allowed; they are permitted in the cabin and hold. The maximum size must be between 8kg (17 lbs) and 32 kg (70 lbs). Further criteria are listed below:

• Animals must be placed in firm transport crates with appropriate size for the animal
• The maximum size of the crate does not exceed 130 x 69 x 80 cm
• Animal weight does not exceed 32kg (70 lbs)
• Food and water are available inside the crate
• Check-in must take place at least 60 minutes before departure
• A fee of 150 EUR ($161) paid for each direction of flight

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2

Korean Air

Species allowed: Three

Skyteam member Korean Air is the only Asian carrier in the top five. From its home at Incheon International Airport (ICN), on the outskirts of Seoul, South Korea, it permits up to three species onboard, with a maximum of two pets per passenger. The airline has its own ‘Skypets’ program, which permits passengers to collect stamps for each flight taken with their furry friend. This initiative helps make traveling with an animal more convenient and memorable for its owner.

The maximum weight for animals on Korean Air is between 32kgs (70lbs) and 45kgs (100 lbs)

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1

American Airlines

Species allowed: Two

The crown of the world’s most friendly pet airline goes to Dallas-based American Airlines. One of the world’s largest carriers by fleet and destinations served, American Airlines is also a founding member of the Oneworld alliance. While the airline has multiple hubs across the United States, it calls Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) home. AA permits pets in both the cabin and the hold, up to a maximum weight of 45kgs (100lbs), with a threshold of up to two per passenger.

The rules for traveling with Animals on American Airlines are that the pet must remain in the carry-on container and be stowed under the seat throughout the flight. This year, the airline changed its pet policy, which saw its popularity surge for animal lovers.

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